World Basketball Championship Preview

U.S. Out to Prove Dominance Not a Myth
Having escaped close calls in its last two major international competitions, the U.S. team is out to re-establish its dominance in the 2002 World Basketball Championship, which opens Thursday in Indianapolis.

Pacers center Brad Miller believes the U.S. needs NBA players in order to maintain its position of dominance in world basketball. He should know; he was a member of the 1998 U.S. team, made up of college players and a few from the CBA, that could do no better than a Bronze medal in the 1998 World Championship.

Pacers star Jermaine O'Neal, in Indianapolis to continue his offseason conditioning program, discussed his progress and role with the U.S. team for the World Basketball Championship beginning later this month in Indianapolis

Led by No. 1 pick Yao Ming of China and No. 7 pick Nene Hilario of Brazil, no less than six players from the recent NBA Draft were eligible to compete in the Worlds.

Team Previews

More NBA players will be competing for international teams than for Team USA. To get the scoop on how strong the challengers are, check out our in-depth team previews of the entire field.

Pool A: Yugoslavia | Spain | Canada | Angola

Pool B: Brazil | Turkey | Puerto Rico | Lebanon

Pool C: United States | China | Germany | Algeria

Pool D: Argentina | Russia | New Zealand | Venezuela

Barkley: U.S. Loss 'a Matter of Time

Charles Barkley, who won two Olympic gold medals, says international competition has become so strong the dominant U.S. team can expect to lose in the near future.

Duke guard Jay Williams, the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft by Chicago, will step in for the injured Ray Allen on the United States roster for the World Basketball Championship.

Miller, O'Neal Give U.S. Team Local Flavor

Though Team USA, which includes Pacers Reggie Miller and Jermaine O'Neal, is still considered the best in the world, the players are bracing for what promises to be the stiffest challenge yet from a strong international field.

O'Neal, Miller honored to represent U.S.

Miller hopes U.S. team can avoid upset

U.S. team grouped with Germany, China in tough draw

Facts and Figures

All the details about the world's biggest basketball event, including rosters, schedules and how to buy tickets, are available through the official websites of the event's primary hosts.